The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) just released a report card for the state of Connecticut’s infrastructure, and out of five categories, roads received the worst mark of D+. Wastewater also received a D+, with bridges earning a C-. The overall GPA for Connecticut’s infrastructure, which also includes drinking water, rail and wastewater, was a C-.
According to the report, about 80% of Connecticut’s major locally and state-maintained roads are in either poor (57%) or mediocre (22%) condition. Only 10% of roads in the three major urban centers—Bridgeport/Stamford, Hartford and New Haven—are in good condition. More than half of the road network in Connecticut is over 55 years old, and traveling on rough roads cost state motorists $2.2 billion annually.
The bridge network is in slightly better condition. According to a 2018 report by The Road Information Program (TRIP), 59% of Connecticut bridges are more than 50 years old. Current FHWA bridge data shows the overall condition of bridges in the state are as follows: 29.6% are in good condition; 62.6% are in fair condition; and 7.8% are in poor condition. The national average for bridges in poor condition is 8.9%.
A 30-year, $100 billion plan called Let’s Go CT! has been approved and enacted. The plan includes a five-year, $2.8 billion “ramp-up” plan that focuses on improving the most critical infrastructure first. The estimated annual capital program for roads and bridges for FY 2019 is $2.25 billion.
To view the complete report card on the state of Connecticut, click here.
